CLIA Appoints Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, as New Board Chairman

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently announced the election of Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, as its new Chairman by the Board of Directors. Liberty succeeds Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises S.A., who has served in this role since January 2021.

 

Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of CLIA, expressed congratulations to Liberty on his new role, highlighting a pivotal period for the industry marked by strong demand and significant sustainability efforts, including the goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. “Mr. Liberty's dynamic and strategic leadership will be instrumental in capitalizing on the travel resurgence and advancing our global operational goals,” Craighead stated. She also extended gratitude to Mr. Vago for his effective guidance during challenging times and setting a foundation for future growth.

Jason Liberty assumed leadership at Royal Caribbean Group in early 2022, following years as the Chief Financial Officer. His near two-decade experience in the cruise industry and significant contributions last year, which notably improved the Group's stock performance, equip him well for his role with CLIA.

In his capacity at Royal Caribbean Group, Liberty oversees three influential brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. He also manages joint ventures with TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises in Germany, holding a 50% ownership in these ventures.

Liberty expressed enthusiasm and honor in leading CLIA into a new era of cruising. With increasing consumer demand, he emphasized a reinforced commitment to decarbonization and sustainable growth, aiming to preserve the environment for future travelers. “I am eager to collaborate with CLIA leadership and global partners to promote cruising as a responsible and appealing travel option that generates positive global impacts,” he stated.

The cruise sector, one of the most rapidly expanding segments in travel and tourism, is expected to have surpassed its pre-pandemic performance of 2019 by 106% in 2023. Last year, it is estimated that around 31.5 million passengers embarked on cruises. The industry is projected to continue this upward trajectory in 2024, with approximately 35 million passengers anticipated to cruise.

As the Chairman of CLIA, Jason Liberty will lead the CLIA Global Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. His role involves guiding the strategic direction of the association, representing the interests of its members, who account for 95% of the global ocean-going cruise line market.

CLIA's members have set ambitious sustainability targets in alignment with the association's long-term strategy. These include adopting new technologies and innovations for increased efficiency and the potential use of sustainable alternative fuels. CLIA acts as the collective voice of the global cruise line industry, advocating on behalf of cruise lines, suppliers, business partners, and an extensive travel advisor community.